Monique managed to transform her life from a place of hurt and isolation to a fresh start with meaningful relationships. Now, she’s part of a supportive community of women and thriving in ways she never imagined! She shared her story with us…
For a decade, my husband and I had invested ourselves in a community of people who we deeply cared about. I grew up in this city and all of my roots were deep. I had developed what I thought was a very connected, supportive, and loving community.
Then, in one brutal year, everything changed. Words got twisted, and trusted friends betrayed us. We were hurt and humiliated.
Monique and her family
My husband took a new job that moved us halfway across the country to a small town called Tyler, Texas. The month that we moved, I decided to sign up as a Sseko Fellow to share the story of this brand that I’d fallen in love with and sell the beautiful products.
I know, I know.. one month before moving may seem like an INSANE time to step into a new business endeavor, but Sseko was honestly my one tiny light in what felt like a big mess of darkness with all that was going on in my life.
When we landed in Texas, I was very closed off to new friendships. Don’t get me wrong, I was polite, but I wasn’t going to let anyone in too far. I had been too deeply hurt for that.
Monique (left) and Kara (right)
Kara Jenkins wouldn’t be deterred by my superficial walls. She persistently and kindly showed up in my life, and little by little, my heart opened once again to true friendship.
Kara came to a Sseko Trunk Show that I was throwing and asked me about becoming a Fellow as well. She dove in head-first to this incredible business journey that I had recently started, and she became my sister on a whole new level.
Just one year after moving to Tyler, Texas, my husband took a new job and we uprooted once again. This time, it was different. I wasn’t leaving with chaos and hurt in my heart. I was leaving as a stronger version of myself who now knew that I have what it takes to find community and friendship wherever I go.
When we moved, I found myself asking, “What was the point of that one year in Tyler?” My husband is actually the one who said, “You needed to bring Sseko to Tyler. Look at what it’s opened up for Kara and her entire community.”
You see, Kara is now a leading Sseko Fellow who has invited so many women into her journey with Sseko, and that community is thriving while they make an impact across the globe. None of that would have happened if I hadn’t landed there for a year, even a year when I was my most fragile.
I learned that even when we feel broken, we can be used to create something beautiful for those around us. And, in turn, we find healing ourselves.
To any woman out there who is dealing with the aftermath of betrayal or hurt in friendships, you are not alone! I have been there. I know the pain. You are stronger than you know, and you can find friendship again.
My favorite line of the Sseko Manifesto is “Stand up for yourself and for those who can’t.” I’ve been on both sides of that phrase, and my experience with the Sseko community has healed me to a place where I can be the one standing up for those who can’t.
If you would like to step into the opportunity that Monique has as a Sseko Fellow, we would love to talk to you!
As a Sseko Fellow, you’ll be part of an incredibly supportive group of women, you’ll get to style and sell stunning fashionable products that make a difference in the lives of women across the globe, and you’ll earn an income for yourself and your family.